RHI parters NITDA to inaugurate Ibadan Digital Hub
By Blessing Emmanuel
A new era of opportunity has begun for youths and women in Ibadan as the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, collaborated with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to inaugurate a state-of-the-art digital hub at the Oladipo Alayande School of Science, Oke-Bola.
The centre, named in honour of Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a respected daughter of Oyo State, is designed to train young people and women in digital skills that will help them thrive in a fast-evolving tech-driven economy.
The facility is equipped with modern computers and learning tools, and will serve both the school and the wider community.
Senator Tinubu described the initiative as part of a national push to build a skilled population capable of driving innovation and entrepreneurship.
She noted that the digital hub supports President Tinubu’s vision to grow the economy through digitisation, creativity, and industrial development. She also announced plans to establish 10 more IT centres across different states.
“This centre is a gateway to new opportunities. But it can only succeed if the people it was built for take full advantage of it,” she said.
“We are handing over the keys, and now it’s time to unlock its potential.”
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, commended the project and assured that his administration would support its long-term success.
He said the initiative aligns with the state’s own efforts to boost digital learning and create jobs through technology.
“Artificial Intelligence and IT are no longer optional, they are the way forward,” he said.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the centre as a springboard for digital startups and global innovation.
He said it would help young people create world-class solutions and access better opportunities.
Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, highlighted that the project is part of a broader national strategy to reduce unemployment and improve digital literacy.
He explained that the agency is working with the Ministry of Education to introduce digital skills into school curricula nationwide.
Inuwa also stressed that the centre is open to everyone, not just students, and urged community leaders to ensure it remains accessible and well-utilised. “This is more than a classroom, it’s a community asset,” he said.
